The Las Vegas Convention Center Unveils New Outdoor Exhibit Space

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority kicked off the new year on a celebratory note with the unveiling of the Diamond Lot, the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new outdoor parking and exhibition space.

Launched the day before CES on Jan. 4, the new space was commemorated with typical Las Vegas-style fanfare, including a ceremonial gathering complete with dignitaries, invited guests, showgirls and presentations by LVCVA president/CEO Rossi Ralenkotter and Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro.

“The Diamond Lot represents the first step in our commitment to Las Vegas’ future with the expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center,” Ralenkotter said.

He added, “The development of the Las Vegas Convention Center District will provide our clients with the premier facility they want and need, and it will support thousands of jobs and increased economic activity in our community.”

Once occupied by the former Riviera Hotel & Casino, the 26-acre Diamond Lot features a 20-acre outdoor exhibit area; more than 3,000 parking spaces; three acres of landscaped walkways; four vehicle access locations; 1,800 amps of power in four locations, and telecommunications and property-wide surveillance capabilities.

The new, versatile space also marks the completion of Phase One of the LVCC’s $1.4 billion, multi-year, four-phase expansion and renovation project.

Next up is Phase Two, which will entail expanding the convention center by 1.4 million square feet and will include 600,000 sq. ft. of additional exhibit space, new meeting rooms, pre-function space, as well as service and support areas.

Phase Three will involve a complete renovation of the existing 3.2 million sq. ft. facility to bring the 57-year-old building up to date. It will entail replacing and repairing of some parts of the aging building complex and includes additional meeting rooms; technology and security systems replacement; building ingress and egress enhancements; utility services capacity; food service distribution enhancements, and interior, exterior and restroom upgrades.

In addition, a new connector will be constructed so that all exhibit halls can be accessed internally.

Both Phase Two and Three are expected to encompass a seven-year timeline, while Phase Four will involve future improvements to the LVCC campus based on prevailing market conditions and direct customer feedback.

Upon completion, the upgraded and expanded LVCC and outdoor space will be officially billed as the Las Vegas Convention Center District.

Approved by the Nevada State Legislature in October 2016, a new, improved and expanded LVCC will not only allow its largest trade shows including CES, CONEXPO-CON/AGG, SEMA, NAB and ICSC to grow but also attract more shows to Las Vegas, Ralenkotter said.

According to LVCVA officials, the LVCCD project is expected to generate $810 million in annual incremental economic impact.